Constable Mia Lay, 20, died when a police car she was travelling in crashed into a tree in Redfern, Sydney, at about 1.30am on Friday. Her father, Clem Lay, said he hoped the investigation would establish what happened without anyone being found at fault, while CCTV footage showed the patrol car travelling rapidly along Gibbons Street shortly before the collision.

Lay was on duty with Constable Brandon Torrisi, 24, who was driving after they received an urgent report of a stolen car in Glebe. Police sources say the vehicle was travelling at more than 150km/h; investigators have yet to interview Torrisi and are examining the car for possible mechanical problems, while police have not ruled out charges if unnecessary speeding is established. Lay’s family and partner remembered her as a lively, athletic officer who enjoyed her work and had considered joining the police Dog Squad; the state police watchdog is monitoring the investigation.